‘Value Proposition’, ‘Rich’ Family History Highlighted As Hareter Oralusi Launches Guber Bid In Osun
Youth leaders, thought leaders , APC members and other stakeholders took turns to present Hon Hareter Babatunde Oralusi’s ‘value proposition’ as he officially launched his gubernatorial bid at the Gity Royale Suites & Conference Halls, Ile-Ife, Osun State on Thursday.
Hon Hareter Babatunde Oralusi, an entrepreneur and a philanthropist, was described as a candidate of change, and he has promised to bring accountability and transparency to governance in line with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope agenda’.
In his declaration speech, Hon Oralusi painted a picture of transformation submitting that ‘Today, Nigeria is at the dawn of a new era. Under President Tinubu’s visionary leadership, we are witnessing the birth of a New Nigeria – a nation grounded on progressive governance and innovation’.
The 54-year-old entrepreneur, who was born in Ibadan in 1971, emphasized the need for Osun State to complement the federal government’s national reforms with local initiatives that would transform the state into ‘a productive, modern, and prosperous state that contributes meaningfully to the New Nigeria agenda’.
Hon Oralusi deplored what he described as entrenched interests in Osun State politics, declaring that ‘the era where godfatherism must give way to a new dawn of accountability, transparency, and shared prosperity has begun’.
Specifically, he criticized the idea of old politicians considering ‘collective wealth as personal inheritance’ and promised to end the practice where ‘a few individuals will corner opportunities meant for the people and turn governance into a platform for self-enrichment’.
‘Our resources must serve the people, not the privileged few’ Oralusi declared, adding that his administration would ensure that ‘governance returns to where it truly belongs – the citizens of Osun State’.
According to the profile of the guber hopeful, he is an international social entrepreneur, an activist, and a philanthropist with educational background from institutions including the London School of Social Enterprise and Sustainable Economics, he is therefore bringing a significant experience from both the private and social sectors to the new role he is seeking.
As an impact investor and social entrepreneur, Oralusi has been involved in various initiatives focused on sustainable development and grassroots empowerment. His social media profiles describe him as a clergyman and politician with interests in addressing poverty through local government autonomy and community development.
Oralusi’s entry into the race adds to the list of APC aspirants seeking to challenge the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2026.
The 2026 Osun governorship election represents a rematch opportunity for the APC, which lost the state to the PDP’s Adeleke in 2022. Governor Adeleke defeated the then-incumbent APC Governor Adegboyega Oyetola in a closely contested election.
Political analysts suggest that the large number of APC aspirants indicates the party’s confidence in reclaiming the state.
With his declaration, Oralusi joins the race positioning himself as a fresh face offering innovative solutions to governance challenges. His emphasis on President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope agenda’ suggests an attempt to leverage federal support while his background in social entrepreneurship may appeal to younger voters seeking alternatives to traditional politicians.
The APC primary election timeline and the eventual emergence of a consensus candidate will likely determine how competitive the party can be against Governor Adeleke’s re-election bid.
As Oralusi concluded in his declaration: ‘The Time is Now and No One Would be Left Behind’ – a message that encapsulates his promise of inclusive governance for all citizens of Osun State.
Giving his speech, APC Chairman, Ife East local government, Ogbeni Kayode Akintifonbo, commended Hon Hereter Oralusi for being a true party man and for supporting party officials and members at the Ward and local government levels while praising his rich family history.
Noting that the guber hopeful from the Degelu family in Ile-Ife is an illustrious son of the ancient city, he added that his progenitor, Lagelu was also the founder of the first settlement of what is now Ibadan which was initially called Eba Odan,
In an interview with Team@orientactualmags.com, Hon Oladokun Gbenga Babasir, APC Chairman, Ife South local government, also described Hon Hareter Babatunde Oralusi as a good candidate.
‘He is an indigene of Ile-Ife but he behaves like the son of Abraham in the Bible, he hates discrimination. He has good character, he is a friend of all. He has told us what his governorship will offer the people of the state and if we work together with him we will not regret doing so’ he added.
‘Hon Hereter Oralusi is from my Ward and we are in support of his candidacy and it is important that he enjoys necessary support from the homefront and that is why we are here’ an APC member, Hon Folashade Adegoke also told team@orientactualmags.com.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity to the gubernatorial aspirant by the Southern Youth Forum (SYF).
‘Success in its part is like a gold, he who must have it must have to dig deep, getting gold entails a lot of dissipating energy and exercising patience. Therefore, gold is not for the lily livered.
That is the more reason we in Southern Youth Forum want to appreciate and celebrate our amiable awardee who has demonstrated excellence in his professional career, service to humanity and the entire populace.
It is on this note that we own it as a duty, on behalf of humanity to profoundly appreciate and celebrate our amiable selfless leader who has not only contributed immeasurably towards infrastructure development and economic growth of the country but has equally done so with greater efficiency, proficiency, patriotism and dedication.
Sir, you’ve performed exceedingly well, your excellent performance in ensuring adherence to ideal of quality service delivery, smooth operation in any assignment giving to you and we are equally celebrating this amiable lover of the masses who has been having a distinguished career and has been an outstanding personality with quality service delivery for decades with untainted and unblemished records.
You’re an outstanding role model whose vision in life, diligence, perseverance, dedication and content of good character has not only seen to an enviable place of pride, but has equally made you a source of great inspiration to millions of Nigerian Youths.
For many decades, you have demonstrated over the years some rare qualities which has towered you above your peers.
You’re a man of great intellectual capacity, very brave, composed, highly matured, experienced, and efficient cerebral, connected, and the very requisite attributes needed of any leader for outstanding performance.
You also connotes different things to different people, To the men and women of your generation you are a pride; to the entire NEXTGEN4HBO community, you’re a reputable mentor; to we the youths, you’re an outstanding role model, a leading light, a shining star and also an asset to humanity’ President of the group, Comrade Olajide Olakunle submitted while giving reasons for the decision to honour Hon Oralusi with the ‘important’ award.
Giving his acceptance speech, Hon Hereter Oralusi thanked the SYF for the honour while promising to continue to prioritize matters that have to do with young people in the country.
‘Thank you for encouraging me, I won’t disappoint you and I promise that I will do everything to change things for the better in this state’ he said.
The event was attended by dignitaries including former Minister of State for Water Resources, Mr Bashir Awotorebo, Sooko Mulekanle Ade, Sooko Adewoyin, Sooko Adedini, Sooko Oyewole, Sooko Omoniyi, Sooko Abiola Olayiwola, Sooko Ologbenla, Sooko Adegaye, Sooko Olafare, Director General of Edo State Diaspora Agency, Dr Lorota Oduware Ogboro-Okor, Hon Segun Adeyeni, Hon Lekan Awojodu among others while a popular musician in Osun State, Bayo Ododo entertained guests at the event.
The event called ‘Community Engagement and Declaration of Intent’ was powered by NEXTGEN 4 HBO, Citizens For Oralusi and the Women Rising Movement while Mr Akinola Akinade, the coordinator of Nextgen, who spoke on behalf of others, restated their commitment to Hon Hareter Oralusi’s candidacy and joined others to present his ‘value proposition’--Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079, 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
